
Several reasons for slow air supply in air compressors
The problem of slow air supply (that is, slow pressure increase) in air compressors may be caused by many factors. The following are common causes and solutions, sorted by failure probability:
1. Analysis of common reasons
- Air filter is blocked
- reason: After long-term use, the air filter accumulates dust and impurities, hindering the inflow of air.
- performance: The air compressor air intake volume is significantly reduced and the loading time is extended.
- inspection method: Remove the air filter and check whether the filter is black or blocked.
- Inlet valve failure
- reason: The intake valve is not fully opened, the valve plate is worn or stuck.
- performance: When the air compressor is loaded, the intake air volume is insufficient, and the pressure rises slowly.
- inspection method: After stopping, check whether the intake valve can move freely and whether the valve plate is worn.
- Gas path system leaks
- reason: Loose pipe joints, aging sealing rings or air storage tanks leak.
- performance: When the air compressor is running, there is obvious air flow sound at the leak point, and the pressure gauge pointer fluctuates.
- inspection method: Apply soapy water to the pipeline joint and observe whether there is any bubbling.
- Wear valve discs or piston rings
- reason: Long-term high-load operation causes wear of internal parts.
- performance: Compression efficiency decreases, pressure rises slowly and is accompanied by oil leakage.
- inspection method: Observe whether lubricating oil seeps out from the exhaust port, disassemble the cylinder and inspect the valve plates and piston rings.
- Pressure sensor or controller failure
- reason: The sensor misreports the pressure value, causing the air compressor to be unloaded in advance.
- performance: The pressure gauge shows that the pressure has not reached the set value, but the air compressor has stopped loading.
- inspection method: Calibrate the pressure sensor and check the controller parameter settings.
- Air consumption exceeds air compressor capacity
- reason: New gas equipment or pipeline leaks have caused a surge in demand.
- performance: The air compressor continues to load, but the system pressure still slowly drops.
- inspection method: Count the total demand for gas equipment and check the air compressor nameplate gas production.
2. Diagnosis and resolution process
- preliminary examination
- Clean or replace the air filter.
- Check and tighten all connections in the gas circuit system.
- Check core components
- intake valve: Disassemble and clean, and replace the worn valve discs.
- Piston ring/valve plate: If the wear is serious, replace the original parts.
- Pressure system calibration
- Adjust the position of the pressure sensor to avoid airflow interference.
- Reset controller parameters to ensure that loading and unloading pressures are set appropriately.
- Load matching adjustment
- If the gas consumption is overloaded for a long time, consider connecting an air compressor in parallel or upgrading the equipment.
3. Prevention and maintenance recommendations
- regular maintenance: Replace the air filter every 500 hours, and replace the oil filter and oil core every 2000 hours.
- air leakage detection: Check the pipeline joints with soapy water every month and repair them in time.
- equipment upgrades: For old models, consider replacing permanent magnet variable frequency air compressors to improve efficiency.
Through the above steps, the problem of slow charging of air compressors can be systematically solved. If the fault is complex, it is recommended to contact the original factory after sales for in-depth diagnosis.